Warren County continues toward its long-term goals of investing in farmland, open space and historic preservation.

According to the Department of Land Preservation, the County has now permanently preserved more than 21,000 acres of farmland, acquired more than 1,800 acres of parkland and has participated financially in 123 historic and open space projects with local non-profits and municipalities. Our progress is made possible by the Board of Chosen Freeholders, the County Agriculture Development Board, the Board of Recreation Commissioners and the Municipal and Charitable Trust Fund Committee as well as many others, including volunteers and residents who give their time and energy to support these critical investments, said

Corey Tierney, Director of the Department of Land Preservation. The Freeholder board at their November 26 heard Tierneys annual report and approved six recommendations to fund $960,000 in local projects from the Countys Open Space, Farmland and Historic Preservation trust fund. I appreciate the comprehensiveness of your annual report, Freeholder Richard D. Gardner, liaison to the Department of Land Preservation, told Tierney after his presentation, a view echoed by Freeholder Director Jason J. Sarnoski and Freeholder Edward J. Smith before they unanimously approved the funding recommendations. I think we have a good balance between the three programs,

By Doreen Rutherford Going to auctions, buying some clocks, fixing them up and selling them was how it all started for Dale Calderone. His "clock shop" is located at 23 Main St. Blairstown NJ. The first time I walked into the shop I remember just hearing the tick tock symphony of many, many happy clocks standing proud, telling

time. It is such a pleasant sound, knowing they are all working and in order. I was so impressed I actually walked out of the store with three clocks! I bought one for my parents 70th anniversary and two Cuckoo clocks. I love them! I have seen many shops selling antique clocks that are pretty , but don't work or don't keep correct time anymore.

This is the rare thing at Dales Antique Clocks, all the clocks are working, beautiful and for a very reasonable price. Dale will fix most any clock that you have. He knows how to get the parts and when he fixes them, he documents the steps with photos so you know exactly what he did. His skill is precise. He used to have a shop in Stroudsburg, but has found Blairstown to be a better location. He still services his PA clients and they do drive to see him. Dale will drive to a house to fix an old grandfather clock and or clocks too big or fragile to move. He is the "Clock Doctor". He has worked on the clocks for Blair Academy and Pocono Country Club, among many others. You won't find Dale working on watches or

pocket watches, but he does buy them. His trade is not a common one and the talent that he has brought to Blairstown is valuable. I can't remember ever finding a shop with such a large body of rare and antique working clocks under one roof. This and Gallery 23 would be two great places to put on the list for a holiday stroll. Park on Main street, get a cup of coffee at Gourmet Gallery and walk a few doors down to Dales Antique Clock Shop, then Gallery 23. You may just find the absolute perfect gift for those hard to find individuals on your list. Shopping local and small gleans big rewards in many ways. Call Dale if you have any questions, he is there almost all the time. 973262-5835

December Monthly Observances World Aids Month, Bingo's Birthday Month, National Drunk & Drugged Driving, (3D) Prevention Month, National Write A Business Plan Month, National Tie Month, Quince and Watermelon Month, Root Vegetables and Exotic Fruits Month, Safe Toys and Gifts Month, Spiritual Literacy Month, Tomato and Winter Squash Month, Universal Human Rights Month, Worldwide Food Service Safety Month` Happy Birthday to

Julia Rutherford who celebrated her 13th Birthday on December 6th. Happy Belated Birthday to Chianne Fox who celebrated her 22nd Birthday on Thurdday, December 5th! Happy Birthday to Dorreen Rutherford who will celebrate her on December 10th. B.D. Lenz brings jazz style to Millrace Pond's Winter Jazzzz series HOPE (Dec. 6, 2013) - The B.D. Lenz Trio brings its distinct jazz sound to the Inn at Millrace Pond this month as

the Inn continues its Winter Jazzz series. Nancy Reed appears in January and Grover Kemble is scheduled for February. Scheduled for the Third Thursday of every month, the Winter Jazzzz shows take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. with many of the region's top jazz acts. B.D. Lenz and his trio are slated for Dec. 19. Need extra cash for holiday shopping? Come join the Friends of the Warren County Library and Mobile Gold for "cash on the spot" for broken, mismatched or simply unwanted gold and

silver jewelry coins and watches. Come to the Headquarters branch of the Warren County Library in White Township on Saturday Dec. 14th between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm for a personal consultation. We love hearing from you! Send your tidbits of information to: The PRESS PO Box 430 Blairstown, NJ 07825
thepressnews@enter.net

The following is a list of books added to the Warren County Library collection this past week. Art That Changed the World By DK Publishing. From DK ADULT; Impressionism: 50 Paintings You Should Know By Ines Janet Engelmann. From Prestel Publishing; Natural Newborn Baby Photography: A Guide to Posing, Shooting, and Business By Robin Long. From Peachpit Press; Painting Classic Portraits: Great Faces Step by Step By Luana Luconi Winner. From North Light Books; Painting Portraits By Anthony Connolly. From Crowood Press; The Complete Painting and Drawing Handbook By Lucy Watson From DK ADULT; Lydia's Party: A Novel By Margaret Hawkins. From Viking Adult; Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker: A Novel By
Literature and Fiction: Art and Photography:

Visit us online at
thepressnewsonline.com

Like Us on Facebook!

Jennifer Chiaverini. From Plume; Pioneer Girl: A Novel By Bich Minh Nguyen. From Viking Adult; Ragtime Cowboys By Loren D. Estleman. From Forge Books; The One and Only: A Novel By Emily Giffin. From Ballantine Books; The Prodigal Son (A Reverend Curtis Black Novel) By Kimberla Lawson Roby. From Grand Central Publishing; The Smoke at Dawn: A Novel of the Civil War By Jeff Shaara. From Ballantine Books.
Mysteries and Thrillers: Death at the Door (Death on Demand Bookstore) By Carolyn Hart. From Berkley Hardcover; Live to See Tomorrow (Catherine Ling) By Iris Johansen. From St. Martin's Press; Mike Hammer - King of the Weeds By Mickey Spillane. From Titan Books; Murder at Mullings: A 1930s country house murder mystery (A Florence Norris Mystery) By Dorothy Cannell. From Severn House Publishers.

North Warren ceramic students teamed up with local animal sanctuaries, Antler Ridge and Lakota Wolf Preserve, in the making of a holiday fundraiser for aid in animal care. Here's what they did... Cast moldings of 10 different animals were used to press footprints into clay pendants. The pendants were then fired, hand-painted and stained. The finished

pieces will be on display and for sale down the road at the new local winery, Brook Hollow, during the holiday season. Each Pendant is $15.00. The proceeds will go back to the animal sanctuaries to aid in the care of the resident animals. It was a great experience for the kids to get involved, create and give towards facilities within their own community. Visit Brook Hollow, relax with a bottle of wine, and support NWR art and the local animal life! Happy Holiday Season and much thanks for your support!

Gift a Book! Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch will be accepting new or like new children's books (preschool to teen) through December to distribute as gifts for children in need in the Blairstown area. The MOMS Club of the Blairstown Area will host a Holiday Meet & Greet at the Catherine Dickson Hoffman Library meeting room on Wednesday December 11th from 3:30-5:30pm. FMI find us on meetup, call (908) 912MOMS or email BlairstownMOMSCl ub@gmail.com. Annual Holiday Craft Fair Saturday, December 14th from 9am-3pm. North Warren Regional High School 10 Noe Rd. Blairstown, NJ. The Blairstown Hose Co. #1 will be hosting Cookies and Milk with Santa on Saturday, December 14 from 10am until

noon. Event will be at the Mohican Banquet Hall, 12 Mohican Road Blairstown, NJ. Admission is free, but we are asking for a non-perishable food item for the food pantry. All are welcome. Supper With Santa Saturday, December 14, 2013 The First United Methodist Church of Blairstown (10 Stillwater Road) will be hosting Supper with Santa. The doors will be open from 4:30-6:30. Hot Dogs, Macaroni and cheese will be served. Donations accepted. Families that have special needs children who may need a little quieter atmosphere may come from 4:004:30. Please call the church office 3629898 with any questions. Care for Clare Wine Tasting Fundraiser at Brook Hollow Winery Rt. 94 Columbia, NJ 07832 on Sunday, December 15th from

6-9pm and Thursday, January 9th 2014from 6-9pm. Must be 21, $15 each event. Space is limited so register now at www.eventbrite.com. In the search area type Care for Clare Wine Tasting fundraiser, New Jersey and click the event. The fundraiser is to help pay mounting medical costs for Clare Baier who has been diagnosed with state IV Glioblastoma Multiforme, an advanced stage of brain cancer. Please come and show your support to this brave mother, grandmother, sister and friend. On Tuesday, December 17, Blair Woman's Club will hold its holiday auction fundraiser at its regular meeting at the library at 12:30. Ladies, bring a gift beautifully decorated for the auction. This auction benefits the many causes we support and is a lot of fun. Our thanks for

your cooperation. JK 908-362-1022 First Presbyterian Blairstown Introduces 5:30pm Christmas Eve Childrens Service. Traditional, musiccentered candlelight Worship to follow at 7:30 p.m. For more information on the Christmas Eve services or any First Presbyterian Church ministry, contact the church office at 908362-5254. On December 28 at 1:00 the Warren County Library, located at 2 Shotwell Drive, Belvidere, presents Winter Holiday Fun with Mad Science! Jack Frost, Frosty the Snowman, and an elf named Eggbert join the Mad Scientist from Mad Science of West New Jersey to bring you a fun-filled winter-themed show perfect for the whole family! Includes audience participation. Sign up at www.warrenlib.org.

Hello fellow readers, Since my recent admission several of you have fessed up that you have yet to cut back your perennials. Glad I am not the only one! And it is true that leaving seed heads on your dormant perennials over winter will encourage many of your plants to spread. John from Bangor and Terri from Frelinghuysen asked if there is a way to encourage self-seeding. If you want to foster

seedlings, don't deadhead, don't use Preen (weed preventer), and don't mulch heavily (yay- another reason not to mulch). Giving your seeds a hand selfseeding is a bit of an oxymoron; a quirky word for an expression using words with opposite meanings. Nonetheless I am all for helping good things along. I've found that self-seeding occurs best in soil with a loose or crumbly surface. Before the ground freezes you can scratch the surface with a garden rake and broadcast seeds or simply lay the deadheads on the naked soil and let Mother Nature do her part. It is also fun to collect seeds and start your own plants come spring. But leave some if you dont mind. Even if you arent particularly interested in encouraging selfseeding, birds will be grateful if you leave your dry flower heads.

There are oodles of flowers that produce seeds to tempt birds. A few popular ones include: Asters, Blackeyed Susans, Coneflowers, Coreopsis, Cosmos, Daisies, Goldenrods, Marigolds, Sedums, Sunflowers and Zinnias. Theres a nifty fact sheet published and online by Minnesota based Dundee Nursery which provides tips to keep plants looking their best listed by botanical and common names. It includes if deadheading the plant during the growing season will encourage re-blooming, if letting seed heads remain will encourage spreading, , and what plants provide winter interest. Busted! Some of my dormant plants neither are particularly good self-seeders nor considered interesting in the winter. Good thing beauty is in the eye of the beholder and there are hungry birds to feed. Rationalization rocks! Garden dilemmas? askmarystone.com

(NAPSI)Colder weather does not have to cast a chill on your energy budget. By winterizing your home, you can enjoy increased warmth and comfort and lower your heating costs, which can significantly increase energy savings. Here are some steps you can take: Caulk, patch or weather-strip any areas around windows and doors that might allow cold air in or warm air out. Your fireplace, too, is a source of heat loss, so close the damper when the fireplace is not in use. Put storm windows in place. New, insulated glass windows can provide important energy savings. However, if you cannot afford new windows, consider covering older windows

with plastic sheeting. Check insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors and crawl spaces to see if it meets the levels (measured in R-values) recommended for your area. Its also wise to insulate water heaters and pipes to minimize heat loss. Replace or clean filters in your heating unit to improve airflow and efficiency. Schedule an inspection of your system by a heating professional. Heat pumps and oil-fired furnaces need annual tune-ups; gas-fired equipment can be serviced every other year. Professional technicians are usually trained to detect leaks, soot, rust, rot, corroded electrical contacts and frayed wires.

Next, take advantage of a programmable thermostat and set the temperature lower when youre away or sleeping. Finally, if you need to replace your home heating unit, consider a new furnace or heat pump that meets standards for high efficiency, measured as annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces and heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) for heat pumps. The higher the AFUE or HSPF, the more efficient the unit and the more likely you are to save energy and money. Look for ENERGY S TA R - r e c o g n i z e d furnaces, like those from the York brand of Johnson Controls, to help reduce your utility bills. To learn more, visit www.york.com.

(NAPSI)When Freud famously wondered what women want, he should have checked in the nail salon. According to a recent Harris Interactive survey: 91 percent of women feel better after visiting one More than half of women have been disappointed with do-ityourself results A salon visit ensures a superior service and an opportunity for comfort and community. Thats why many women like to take time to pamper themselves and leave the work to the pros. Whats more, women who love the sustainability of a long-wear manicure can now rest easy when it comes to UV

safety. Dr. John Dowdy and Dr. Robert Sayre recently reported that UV lamps are safer than natural sunlight. In addition, the back of the hand requires four times the amount of UV exposure than the cheeks, chest or abdomen in order to cause sun damage. This makes it nearly impossible to suffer from unsafe exposure during a UV manicure. Many women, relieved by these findings, head straight to the salon for a CND Shellac manicure. Since not all service is created equal, they look for the CND Shellac Pro Certification in the salon window. Learn more or find a salon at www.cnd.com.

(NAPSI)For many families, a highlight of the holiday season is a trip to the mall for the traditional Santa Experience photo. Not only can the visit to Santa be fun itself, the photos you take can make great gifts for family and friends now and cherished mementos for you and your children in years to come. It takes more than magic elves, however, to get a great

picture. There are steps you and the photographer can take. What You Can Do To get the best Santa photos for your family, heed these hints: Before you visit the mall, show them pictures of Santa and talk to your toddlers about Santa. This will help ease their fears and familiarize them with the guy in a red suit. Keep colors simple and wear solids. Reds are very festive but can clash with Santas suit,

so consider greens, silver, blues, black or even turquoise. Adjust hair bows and comb hair when you are the next person in line so you dont lose valuable moments with Santa. Visit Santa during your childs bestbehavior hours-usually early morning or after a nap. Photographers say children usually look at their parents, so you can help by quietly standing near the photographer. If you have a long wait in line, make sure you have something to entertain your kids. For small infants, consider a new holiday bib to put on right before sitting on Santas lap. Have toddlers and small children wear a simple T-shirt and put on the festive dress or shirt just moments before sitting on Santas lap. Kids may not like how new dress shoes feel, so put them on right before the photo, too. By practicing beforehand what they will say to Santa, kids can be more comfortable with the whole process. What Photographers Do? According to

Cherry Hill Photo, a company with more than 52 years of experience taking professional Santa photos, producing a positive Santa experience includes a smooth-running, professional operation that uses the highestquality printers. Thats why they count on Mitsubishi Electric photo printers in many of their centers. These dye sublimation printers create a richly colored and detailed print that lasts many, many years. They also print in different sizes with a unique roll-type mechanism that ensures jamfree reliability.Because these printers can turn out beautiful photos in mere seconds, your family can be on its way with a delightful picture in so little time, it may seem like magic elves were part of the process after all. Learn More: You can find further facts about this and other electronic innovations for photographers at www.mitsubishiimaging.com, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Mi tsubishiPhotoimaging and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Mitsu bishiPhoto.

Principals List: Grade 7 Nicholas Arena, Ariadae Baettcher, Timothy Baier, Bianca Benincasa, Drew Benzaia, Erin Braunschweiger, Emily Burdge, Jacob Camastra, Ryan Cino, Joshua Colon, Lauren Cooke, Caroline Copen, Adriana Cowell, Natalia DaSilva, Henry Doell, Benjamin Erickson, Sabrina Fernicola, Logan Ferrante, Megan Fowles, Eli Freedman, Bohdan Gattuso, Jared Horton, Ashley Huff, Tanner Humphrey, Madeline Hunsinger, Tyler Johnson, Julie Karlsson, Christina Kehoe, Heather Kretsch, Joshua Lance, Mary Leno, Hope Lissitz, Matthew Luque, Joseph Mantegna, Mary Mattos, Jillian Mena, Karnaa Mistry, Chase Mlecz, Conor Moore, Emily Neuffer, Rachel Pagano, Mia Pearson, Kayla Pereda, Erika Plut, Morgan Poe, David Portovedo, Sarah Riley, Justin Roskam, Margaret Saalfield, Jessica Schable, Evan Szkarlatiuk, Daniella Towey, Jessica VanValkenburg, Margaret Williard, Matthew Worden, Jason Zilberfarb. Grade 8 Adam Albanese, Schuyler Alpaugh, Thomas Baran, Andrea Barr, Kimberly Barr, James Barton, Glenn Bechtler, Catrina Bennett, Jaclyn Bono, George Burdge, Julia Buttgereit, Julia Carlucci, Brady Crouch, Zachary Cullen, John Demkowicz, Amy Dillon, Lia Fluri, Luke Golick, Sabrina Helck, Joshua Hunter, Sydney Janeiro, Moira Kellaher, Colin Keoghan, Raymond Keoghan, Thomas King, Cortney Klein, Brianna Lang, Lillian LePage, Carson Lerner, Paige Lippmann, Nicole Lopez, Bryce Manz, Jessica Miccio, Clara Miller, Tessa Moody, Amber Mullen, Alex-

andra Norton, Nicole Ohannesian, Eirean, X'avier Pesqueira, Megan Polacek, Katarina Reduzzi, Sophia Scheer, Tyler Thatcher, Timothy Topolski, Victoria Trevorrow, Christina Wartman, Julia Wetzel, Nicholas Winay, Brian Wormser, Carissa Yurchak. Grade 9 Emily Bair, Jenna Bickhardt, Kelly Brown, Jacob Burdge, Callie Campbell, Janell Chuddley, Cilenna Colon, Emily Davie, Hunter DePrimo, Tyler Dietze, Melissa Diogene, Elinor Dowd, Ariana Esposito, Kellyanne Farrell, Samantha Fernicola, Briana Fiore, Garrett Flanagan, Joseph Gessler, Theresa Haberle, Alexandra Hagerman, William Herrmann, Olivia Jimenez, Dillon Johnstone, Liam Kagan, Brianna Keyes, Alexa Korinis, Kelsey Kretsch, Geo Kumetz, Ron Lubertazzo, Rebecca McCarthy, Troy McCrystal, Margret McLaughlin, Paige McPeek, Raquel Morgado, Vanessa Neice, Emily Olivier, Cole Palatini, Danielle Pergola, Kamryn Polowy, Rachel Portela, Gwencalon Saalfield, Jenna Sagan, Jennifer Sagan, Joshua Salmon, Aidan Solano, Cheyenne Unangst, Natalia Voitek, Jared Vuz, Ashley Wojtach, Benjamin Wulf, Kelsey Yarzab, Victoria Young, Allison Zilberfarb. Grade 10 Claire Anderson, Jade Baccaro-Nicholls, Richard Baird, Trevor Baldwin, Alexys Benson, Bryan Benson, Anna Blanchette, Mark Bryant, John Burns, Daniel Cannone, Lindsey Caulfield 10, Ivy Cheung-Cheng, Kelsy Conlon, Amanda DaSilva, Carly DeSanto, Jessica Desiderio, Natalie Dispoto, John Donovan, Meghan Eck, Conor Frehill, Kyle Froisland, Sandy Giacobbe, Nicole

Gramberg, Ian Hernandez, Nicole Hervatic, Jake Hohmann, Matthew Izzo, Ariana Kampfe, Elizabeth Kelly, Sayoko Kozuma, Thomas Kudlacik, Emma Lance, Reannon Lilly, Rebecca Loeven, Gabriella Lorusso, Gianna Lorusso, Todd Machynko, Claire McNulty, Brandi Mulligan, Sierra Norman, Kathleen Norton, John Occhiuzzo, Miranda Pell, Alex Predenkoski, Benjamin Reidelm, Gionna Rossi, Lillian Rutherford, Peter Smith, Sean Thornton, Dominique Voitek, Krista Weiss, Claudia Wetzel, Charles Wysowaty, Emili Yiu. Grade 11 Evan Amerspek, Kira Baccaro-Nicholls, Gina Badlowski, Amandamae Baettcher, Elena Benson, Zachary Bernstein, Matthew Bono, Jillian Chuddley, Justin Chudley, Olivia Clark, Stefanie Coffman, Maura Crouch, Olivia Cullen, Angelica Dasilva, Madeline Dean, Gian DeFilippis, Chloe Dougherty, Regina Duncan, Evan Eldemachki, Shannon Ettinger, Danielle Frazee, Sabrina Gattuso, Tanner Geueke, Anthony Gioino, Ciera Gross, Gavin Gross, James Hansen, Jessica Hatton, Anna Kellaher, Jamie Kincaid, Amanda Konecnik, Oliver Krawczyk, Ryland LePage, Kasie Lerner, Faith Lissitz, Kyle Lott, Matthew Lubanski, Haley Lusby, Emily Mailhot, Michelle Matarazzo, Hannah Merkler, Richard Murray, Matthew Nicholoff, Ryan

Oakley, Molly O'Brien, Dominique Orlandi, Milly Paulson, Christian Peters, Emily Peterson, Brielle Polowy, Gina Rajeckas, Alison Riotto, Luke Robertson, Melissa Rojas, Fiona Schicho, Kellie Smigel, Colin Soisson, Megan Stevens, Ian Stone, Shannon Suydam, Allison Taylor, Savannah Tilley, Jessica Towey, Britten Werner, Jessica Wolff, Kyle Yarzab, Jordan Yiu, Christopher Zeglen. Grade 12 Amanda Aram, Sean Avery, Alexandria Baldwin, Justin Balogh, Kimberlee Bernstein, Bradley Bickhardt, Jacob Bryant, Daniel Burns, Courtney Butrymowicz, Rebecca Capano, Alicia Cole, Kimberly Corriveau, Rebecca Cuntala, Savannah Dellipaoli, Alyssa DeTogni, Keenan Deverman, Kathleen Dispoto, Leah Dolan, Emily Dowd, Nicole Farrell, Thornton Fielding, Karli Grant, Jordan Greszczak, Sasha Hernandez, Bryanna Hesse, Alexander Hladik, Nicholas Ilic, Alex Izzo, Aimee Jimenez, Derek Johnstone, Kaitlyn Kagan, Josef Kampfe, Brian Karlsson, Eleison Knierim, Madelyn Korpos, Kairi Kozuma, Sarah Lawley, Caitlyn McNulty, William McNulty, Cassandra McPeek, Nicholas Meyer, Lauren Miano, Margaret Molisso, Briana Moore, Robert Nicholoff , Laura Pachnos, Bebhionn Pasko, Breanna Puskas, Katie Riso, Brianna Romel, Joseph Sagann, Drew

Sauck, Christopher Sciarrino, Rachel Shucavage, Nicolle Siebens, Nicole Strout, Faith Torppey, Justin Turczak, Brian Turner, Steven Tynan, Annamarie Wadiak, Kathleen Wadiak, Lisa Wilbur, Bridget Winay, Alexandra Young, Liam Young, Shannon Young. First Semester Honor Roll: Grade 7 Bolcato Alec, Clavel Avery, Diogene Esther, Drescher Jack, Garriques Bryson, Giordano Alexa, Hogan Anastasia, Kately Faith, Larsen Alyssa, Mailhot Katelyn, Merkle Thomas, Merkler Claire, Predenkoski Ryan, Sikkes Abigail, Steenstra Joseph, Tafuni Ryan. Grade 8 Collins Justin, Cuntala Nicholas, Giuliano Jacob, Gladd Hannah, Goldsmith Amanda, Kulek Veronica, Liccese Marguerite, Lohman Alexander, Lopez Jorge, Lusby Shane, Miyake Gabriela, Moritz Natalie, Novak Rebecca, Roman Ciana, Schultz Madison, VanWettering Camrynn-Rose, Zwerver Rachel. Grade 9 Anderson Austin, Armstrong Justin, Bailey Alice, Balla Cathleen, Barnes Mya, Caristi Angela, Dieffenbach Michael, Greene Brandon, Hladik Nora, Jones Brianna, Kately Sheila, King Daniel, Klein Jamie, LoCascio Luke, Lubecki Kacper, Maciejunes Breana, McGirr Sarah, Mosa-

kowski Jenna, O'Hern Raven, Palazzi Nicholas, Paulson Mary, Siebens Claire, Sullivan Hayley, Summers William, Taylor Jakob, Thornton Kelly, VanPelt Jasmin. Grade 10 Ackerson Grace, Akerstrom Douglas, Ball Natasha, Calderone Elizabeth, Geletova Tomova Daniela, Griffin Adam, Griffin Eva, Griffin John, Griffin Luke, Liegner Benjamin, Madan Kaitlyn, Marroccoli Alyssa, Morrill Allison, Pearson Ian, Rehe Larissa, Rejano Emily, Russo Matteo, Scrivani Katherine, Woelkers Christopher, Yancey Destiny, Yurovchak Kristen. Grade 11 Chambarry Michael, Copen Nicholas, Cross Dylan, Daly Taylor, Fluri Gino, Giacobbe Tyler, Ivey Laine, Kately Brooke, Midkiff David, Moyna Hannah, Palazzi Michael, Perry Olivia, Provencher Kyle, Tansey Rachel, Tierney Marisa, Vuz John, Weir Rachel, Winkler Alyssa, Worden Erin, Wyeroski Krista. Grade 12 Ayres-Morgan Blaine, Benson Sydney, Coetzee Elizabeth, Conk Matthew, Di Stasi Kyle, Galante Gregory, Garriques Sawyer , Gessler Laura, Greene Jamie, Hendershot Rebecca, Jarrett Holly, Kehoe Brian, Kennedy Gabrielle, Lyons Devin, Magalhaes Deborah, Mostaccio Alexis, O'Hern Ryan, Olah Matthew, Pearson Lars, Peterson Bradley, Schiafo Heinz Zachary,

On November 2nd, the Foodshed Alliance Farmers Access Network (www.NJLocalFood.com ) hostedthe grand opening of the Newton Winter Farmers Market, sponsored by the Newton Medical Center. Now in its THIRD year, the market is dedicated to bringing consumers and farmers together, this one of a kind market will feature local foods and goods, all grown, produced and/or raised within a 25 mile radius of the area. Eating and shopping locally is something we can now do year round not just during the summer! The winter market will allow farmers an outlet for their products during the entire year and allow the community to have access to locally-grown,

fresh food throughout the changing seasons. The Foodshed Alliance and the Blairstown Farmers Market is joining forces with the Sparta Farmers Market to continue to develop a local food system, one in which eating locally and seasonally can be your first choice. Director Kendrya Close explains, We want to provide all residents in our area with a centralized location to obtain fresh, locally-grown and produced, meats, cheeses, breads and produce all grown by our farmers within our foodshed. Doing this the entire year only serves to strengthen our sense of community and continue to foster a locally resilient economy! The market also provides a wonder-

ful opportunity for collaboration between the businesses on Spring Street in Newton and the Foodshed Alliance to further foster the idea of shopping, buying and eating local. Vendors will include everything from meat to cheese, eggs, prepared foods, fruit, artisan breads, baked goods, and as much winter produce as our farmers can grow. The Market will run every Saturday from 10am-1pm from November through April and will be located on Spring Street in Newton at the Springboard Shops, 145 Spring Street, Newton, NJ. The Foodshed Alliance Farmers Access Network is grateful for the dedication of the community, the support of the Town of Newton and the generous sponsorship of Newton Medical Center. Please visit www. NJLocalFood.com for more information. For a complete list of participating farmers and to learn how you can become a part of the Farmers Market through sponsorship, please call 908-3627967 or email info@foodshedalliance. org.

Have you ever entered the New Year financially strapped because you spent more than you intended to over the holidays? If so, youre not alone. The good news is that there are steps you can take today to help avoid paying the piper when the credit card bills arrive in January. Write down the names of everyone on your gift list. This includes family members, friends, business associates, household service providers and so on. It may be helpful to create your list after youve determined how much youre comfortably willing to spend on gifts this year. This way, you can keep your list controlled to a certain number of people and be more critical of those gifts that may not be crucial. Set a budget and stick to it. Assign an affordable dollar amount to each recipient category, for example your spouse, parents, nieces and nephews and children. If something they desire costs more than what youve budgeted, ask someone else to go in on the gift with you or give the recipient a gift certificate that they can apply toward the item they desire. Discuss your approach

to holiday spending with your spouse, significant other or partner. If your money personalities and approach to holiday gifts differs greatly, look for common ground and agree to compromise to enable you to stay on track financially. If youre worried your partner will spend too much from your shared account, talk about how overspending over the short-term on the holidays will affect your day-to-day finances and long-term goals. Comparison shop for the best price. Thanks to the Internet and mobile device scanners, comparison shopping is quick and easy and well worth your time. If youre making an online purchase, take a moment to search for coupon codes for the site youre purchasing from. Doing so can amount to some savings. Also, if free shipping isnt available, see if theres a free ship to store option to help stretch your holiday dollars. Check out your local dollar store. You can often find high quality gift bags, bows, ribbon and tissue paper for cheap. If possible, go earlier in the season when the selection is at its best Control holiday party costs. Gifts arent the only expense during the holiday season. Parties are another, especially if you host one. To help reduce costs, send out electronic invitations and host the event with a friend to split the costs. It also helps to keep the menu simple and ask others to bring something to share. If youre serving alcohol, offer a signature drink instead of stocking a full bar or ask guests to bring a bottle of their

favorite drink Keep your holiday receipts together. This makes it easier for you to track your expenses and stay within your budget. It also makes it easy to locate a receipt if you find an item at a significantly lower price elsewhere and want to return or exchange your original purchase. Staying on track with your finances during the holidays is all about being realistic about what you can afford. It may be tempting to overspend, but its important to think about the impact that doing so may have on your overall financial situation. Consider working with a financial advisor who can help you save money during the holiday season and throughout the year so you can work towards your short- and longterm financial goals. James Fahey, AAMS, LUTCF, is a Financial Advisor and Vice President with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Bedminster,NJ. He specializes in feebased financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 26 years. To contact him, please visit ameripriseadvisors.com/james.fahey. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Diversification helps you spread risk throughout your portfolio, so investments that do poorly may be balanced by others that do relatively better. Diversification does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. Investment products, including shares of mutual funds, are not federally or FDICinsured, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. 2013 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

United Way of Northern New Jersey Caregivers Coalition invites area family caregivers to its monthly meeting on December 16, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., to learn about the local resources available to help individuals in their caregiving journey. The meeting is held at the Wayne Dumont Administration Building, 165 County Route 519 South in Belvidere. Caregivers are the family members and friends who help their loved ones with a range of tasks from paying bills or driving to doctors, to personal care such as bathing and dressing, to medical care such as administering medication. United Way Caregivers Coalition holds monthly meeting which are open to the public. These meetings offer educa-

tion, resources, support, and ideas while also helping caregivers connect with other caregivers and empathetic professionals who can share experienced advice. Each meeting opens with a caregiver sharing a personal story about the challenges and joys of caregiving. Coalition meetings are held in Warren County on the third Monday of the month, with the exception of July. Anyone with an interest in caregiving is welcome. The monthly meetings are one of the services United Way Caregivers Coalition provides to help unpaid family caregivers better access information while giving them the support they need in their caregiving role. The Coalition, established in Warren County in 2012 includes

caregivers, medical professionals, social service agencies, businesses, and other community groups. For more information about United Way Caregivers Coalition in Warren County, email Robin.Ennis@UnitedWa yNNJ.org or call 888.338.9227. About United Way of Northern New Jersey United Way of Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit organization working to improve peoples lives and strengthen communities by focusing on Education, Income, and Health. These are the building blocks for a good life a quality education that leads to a stable job; the tools needed to achieve financial stability; and good health. We lead caring communities to create long-lasting changes that transform peoples lives. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow throughout Morris, North Essex, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties. Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED. To learn more, call 908.835.3550 or visit www.UnitedWayNNJ .org.

The members of the Hackettstown Chapter of Soroptimists International held a November food drive to collect meals for the NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency. The Soroptimists is a women's organization dedicated to helping women and families in the area of northwest New Jersey. They hold a dinner

Hackettstown Soroptimists International Food Drive

meeting once a month at Mama's Cafe Baci where they enjoy an informative speaker and plan service projects throughout the year. December's project will be a party with holiday gifts for the senior citizen's at Warren Haven Nursing Home. If interested in finding out more or joining this group of inspirational women, please contact Adrianna at a.martinez49@verizon.net or call 908-246-5869. For more information, visit our website at sihackettstown@soropti mist.net or on Facebook at Soroptimist International of Hackettstown. We welcome women from Warren, Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon counties.

Gardner added, referring to the farmland preservation, County open space, and municipal/charitable conservancies projects. Open Space and Parkland The Warren County Board of Recreation Commissions is responsible for recommending the acquisition of open space and coordinating the use and improvement of parkland. Guided by the County Open Space Plan and Morris Canal 25-Year Action Plan, they have focused on acquiring key tracts of land along the Morris Canal Greenway, as well as expanding existing natural resource areas. Among other things, they look for unique features and sites of interests that are near population centers and accessible to residents. This year, the County has purchased 3 properties comprising about 37 acres and are investigating and negotiating several others. In addition to acquiring and preserving new land, the County also maintains several natural resource areas and sites along the Morris Canal. These include the White Lake, Marble Hill and West Oxford Natural Resource Areas, as well as canal sites such as the Jim and Mary Lee Museum, Breadlock Park and others. Our goal is to maximize public use and enjoyment while also protecting valuable natural and historic resources, explained Tierney, We are able to do this rather effectively with the help of other departments, non-profit groups and volunteers. And weve been able to

do so while controlling costs which is key. This year, the County celebrated a GrandReopening of its Marble Hill property. The 270+ acre preserve adjoins another 210 acres of state open space and municipal parkland. With the help of volunteers, the County cleared nearly 4 miles of new trails, installed multiple informational kiosks and interpretive signs, and created additional parking areas for visitors. Farmland Preservation The Farmland Preservation Program also continues to be very successful. To date, Warren County has helped preserve 227 farms totaling more than 21,136 acres. So far this year, it has preserved two farms comprising more than 157 acres and Tierney expects to preserve another three farms consisting of about 230 acres by year end. Preserving the two farms cost us about $418,000 thats only 45% of the total $929,000 cost. So for every $1 we spent on farmland preservation this year, the state has matched about $1.20, Tierney remarked. They have been a great partner in helping to fund these efforts, but there are no new state funds available for future farmland preservation projects so well have to wait and see happens in Trenton, he added. In Warren County, agriculture isnt just a way of life its a $75plus million dollar a year industry, Tierney continued. It supports many ancillary businesses while requir-

ing very little in the way of municipal services. Not only are we protecting productive soils for future generations, but farmers often reinvest the proceeds from preservation back into their operations to buy equipment, supplies and even more land. This helps keep agriculture viable. According to the Farmland Preservation Plan, the goal is to preserve another 10,000 to 15,000 acres over the next 10 years. In pursuit of that goal, 40 farms totaling 3,100 acres are currently pending in some stage of the application process and Tierney reported that another half-dozen farmers have requested applications or expressed interest. We have seen a surge of interest in the program this year, Tierney said, so another round of state funding would easily be put to good use. Municipal and Charitable Conservancy Trust Fund The Municipal and Charitable Conservancy Trust Fund announced its recommendations to the Freeholders last week. Since inception, a total of 123 applications have been approved over the years, funding local historic and open

space projects in 21 out of the Countys 22 municipalities. Last year, the Freeholders approved nine projects totaling about $1.2 million and this year only six projects totaling about $960,000 were recommended for approval. Every year the Trust Fund Committee volunteers meet with local community groups and learn about their projects. Many of the historic preservation efforts, such as the Asbury Gristmill, the Hoff-Vannatta Farmstead, and Rutherfurd Hall, are all making tremendous progress and residents are encouraged to visit and see for themselves, Tierney said. The open space projects have also been a great investment, allowing non-profits and municipalities to take ownership of critical natural areas. All in all, its great to see residents coming together to protect and preserve these community treasures, he added. The Department of Land Preservations annual report for 2013 is available for public review and can be found on the Warren County website www.co.warren.nj.us in the Land Preservation section added earlier this year.

Want a New Years Resolution Youre Sure to Stick With? Sign up for Rutgers Environmental Steward training. Are you looking for a New Years resolution that youre likely to stick with, once you embark on the journey? How about a way to give something back to your community in a way thats meaningful and guaranteed to get you out and about? Consider joining the 2014 class of the Rutgers Environmental Stewards program, which helps nonscientists to become citizen-scientists. Classes begin the first week in January in Atlantic, Warren, and Somerset counties, and typically run through May. An innovative partnership between Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the Duke Farms

Foundation, the Rutgers Environmental Stewards program teaches participants about land and water stewardship, best management practices, environmental public advocacy, and leadership. The curriculum is designed to introduce non-scientists to the science underlying key environmental issues in the New Jersey. Academics are joined by olleagues from government and the non-profit sector to share understanding and insights with the students. Students dont only receive facts, but also are introduced to a network of expert individuals and organizations who can be of service to them in the future as they wrestle with solving local environmental problems, said Bruce Barbour, agricultural and

resource management agent with Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the programs originator. This can be among the most meaningful six months in your life, adds Barbour, who has led the program for years and well worth the $250 fee. In order to serve the entire state, training is offered in regional locations and recruitment has begun in earnest for the Class of 2014. Questions about registration or schedules should be directed to the coordinator of the region in which you expect to attend classes. First classes begin as early as January 7, 2014, so act now! More information including application forms and the current schedule for lectures can be found on the web envirostewards.rutgers.e du.

Health Department Seeks Identity of Woman Who Dropped Off Rabid Raccoon on November 29
A raccoon brought to the Warren Animal Hospital in Lopatcong on the morning of November 29, 2013 has tested positive for rabies, according to the Warren County Health Department. The Health Department is seeking the identity of the woman who dropped off this raccoon. No contact information was left with the veterinarian and it is important that health officials follow up with her. This individual is urged to contact the Warren County Health Department as soon as possible at 908-475-7960 during normal business hours, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects only mammals, including humans. It is transmitted via the saliva of an infected animal through a bite, or possibly an open cut. Rabies is preventable! Remember to vaccinate your pets, and to stay away from wild or stray animals. All animal bites should be reported to your local health department. Information on upcoming rabies vaccine clinics is available on the Warren County website at www.co.warren.nj.us/Healthdept/Rab ies_clinics.html.

Warren Countys publicly-run nursing home, Warren Haven, is holding an Open House next month to demonstrate its SubAcute Rehabilitation program that features the countys only Premier Therapy Suite. Doctors, hospital discharge planners, and other health care providers along with the general public are invited on December 18 from 2-5 p.m. to tour the facility, located at 350 Oxford Road, Oxford (Mansfield Township), NJ. We look forward to showing you our state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment in the renovated Rehab Gym, and demonstrating what a caring tradition of more than 185 years can do, said Warren Haven Administrator Laura Decker.

Warren Havens therapy partner, Synertx Rehabilitation, has invested in cutting-edge therapy equipment for the Premier Therapy Suite, the first of its kind in Warren County. Included are: Electrotherapy and Ultrasound, modalities that can be delivered alone or in a combination to heat up and stimulate the tissues resulting in decreased inflammation, decreased pain and improved muscle function; Shortwave Diathermy, the only effective therapeutic tool capable of deep heating of tissues resulting in decreased pain, relaxed muscles and increased blood flow; and Active Passive Trainer, a type of therapy equipment that uses both passive assistance and active resistance to help a patient exercise and grow stronger. The equipment is used to help a patient improve stability and mobility, and reach new goals in movement and muscle control. Warren Havens

Sub-Acute Rehabilitation services are for post-hospitalization, short-term stays, and can include physical, occupational and speech therapy. Join us and see how Warren Havens SubAcute Rehab can benefit you and/or your organization, Decker remarked. She noted the Open House will feature a handson demonstration of the Premier Therapy Suite, guided facility

tours and refreshments in Warren Havens fully equipped Occupational Therapy Kitchen. For more information, please contact Warren Haven at 908-475-7700, or visit the website at www.co.warren.nj.us/ WarrenHaven/index.h tml. Directions to Warren Haven using Google Maps are available through the website.